137 patients with Quinnell type II-IV trigger fingers were randomized to receive corticosteroid (CS) injection, tenotomy, or open surgery to determine which method was more effective in treatment of trigger finger. Relapse and failure to cure trigger finger were recorded over 6 months post treatment, along with pain, active movement and complications experienced. The results demonstrated that patients who received tenotomy or open surgery had remission of their trigger finger significantly more than those who were treated with CS injections. However, immediate posttreatment pain was improved with CS injections.